The present invention relates to the use of isosteviol, steviol, and related compounds for elevating the plasma HDL-cholesterol level. The invention furthermore relates to the use of these compounds for reducing the body weight of a subject and/or lowering the plasma triglyceride level of a subject, including a concomitant elevation of the plasma HDL-cholesterol level. Preferably the compounds used are isosteviol and/or steviol, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or prodrugs thereof. The compounds may furthermore be administered in combination with one or more further active compounds, such as e.g. LDL-cholesterol lowering agents. The invention furthermore relates to a method for elevating the plasma HDL-cholesterol level in a subject by administering to a subject in need of such treatment a plasma HDL-cholesterol level elevating amount of the compounds, described herein.
